Harold Howard Simmons, 83, of Braceville, went to be with the Lord on January 14, 2016. He passed away at his winter residence in Davenport, FL of several health issues. Mr. Simmons was born March 2, 1932 in Newton Falls to the late Elmer and Bessie (Shade) Simmons. He was a 1950 graduate of Newton Falls High School and married his loving wife Geraldine H. Thompson of Braceville on December 7, 1951. He proudly served in the U.S. Naval Reserves from 1950-1952 and the U.S. Marine Corp from 1952-1954 during the Korean War. Mr. Simmons worked as an Operating Engineer with Local 66 out of Youngstown for 55 years. He was a member of the Braceville United Methodist Church, Past President of Braceville Lions Club, a member of the American Legion Post 236 and Local 66 Retirees Club. Mr. Simmons suffered a severe heart attack in 1988 and entered the research program at The Cleveland Clinic to help others with heart disease. He was fortunate enough to receive a heart transplant April 28, 1991 at The Cleveland Clinic, and was blessed to have Dr. Robert Hobbs as his physician for 28 years. Mr. Simmons is survived by his wife of 64 years, Geraldine Simmons; three daughters, Irene (Fred) Hardesty of Thompson, Jean (Mark) Messenger of Leavittsburg , and Lori (Mark) Meyer of Newton Falls; three sons, Kirk (Gloria) Simmons of Chardon, Mark Simmons of Newton Falls, and Bruce (Barb) Simmons of Lordstown; 13 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents. The family will receive friends at the James Funeral Home, 8 East Broad St., Newton Falls, Wednesday from 6 to 8 PM where funeral services will be held Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 11 AM, Burial will be in Newton Falls Cemetery where the Newton Falls Honor guard will perform military services and Honors. Arrangements have been entrusted to the James Funeral Home, 8 East Broad Street Newton Falls, Ohio 44444 (330) 872-5440. Family and Friends may view the complete obituary online or send condolences to the family at www.jamesfuneralhomeinc.com.

Thursday, January 14, 2016 11:00 AM

James Funeral Home Inc. 8 East Broad St. Newton Falls, Ohio 44444